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Work Animal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Work Animal information

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$9

$21

$27

How much do work animal jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for work animal in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are work animals?

Work animals, also known as draft or working animals, are animals that are trained to perform tasks for humans, such as carrying loads, plowing fields, herding livestock, or providing transportation. Common work animals include horses, donkeys, oxen, dogs, camels, and elephants. These animals have been essential in agriculture, transportation, and other industries throughout human history, especially before the advent of modern machinery. Today, work animals are still used in many parts of the world, particularly in rural or developing areas.

What jobs can I do with animals?

Work animals are used in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, therapy, farming, and entertainment. These jobs often require specific training, certifications, and knowledge of animal behavior and safety protocols. Common environments include farms, zoos, rescue organizations, and service settings.

What are some of the key challenges faced by work animal caretakers, and how can they be addressed to ensure animal welfare and productivity?

Caretakers of work animals often encounter challenges such as preventing overwork, managing injuries, and providing proper nutrition and rest. Balancing workload with the animal's physical capabilities is critical to maintaining health and productivity. Effective communication with veterinarians and regular health assessments help in early detection of issues, while ongoing training ensures animals are handled safely and humanely. Building strong relationships with the animals and understanding their behavior also contributes to a safer and more productive work environment.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

For a work animal or related roles, high-paying jobs that can reach $4,000 weekly without a degree are rare and typically involve specialized skills or experience. Examples include certain freelance or contract positions such as animal trainers, equine specialists, or working in the entertainment industry, where income depends on skill level, reputation, and workload. Most high-paying roles in this field require hands-on experience, certifications, or licensing rather than formal degrees.

What are good careers that work with animals?

Careers that work with animals include roles such as animal trainer, veterinarian, zookeeper, wildlife rehabilitator, and pet groomer. These jobs often require specific skills, certifications, or degrees, and involve working in environments like clinics, zoos, farms, or shelters.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Work Animal, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Work Animal, essential traits include physical strength, stamina, trainability, and a temperament suited to working closely with humans, with selection often based on breed and health. Training typically involves learning to use harnesses, respond to commands, and operate within specific environments or alongside machinery. Patience, reliability, and responsiveness are crucial soft attributes that make a work animal excel in tasks such as farming, transport, or service work. These qualities ensure safety, efficiency, and harmonious collaboration between animals and their handlers in demanding work settings.

What is the best paying job that involves animals?

The highest paying jobs involving animals include specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons, animal researchers, and zoo directors, with veterinary surgeons often earning the most due to required advanced degrees and certifications. These positions typically require extensive education, clinical experience, and sometimes management responsibilities, and they often involve working in clinical, research, or institutional environments.

What is the difference between Work Animal vs Service Animal?

AspectWork AnimalService Animal
Credentials/CertificationsTypically no formal certification, but may require trainingMust be trained and certified according to ADA standards
Work EnvironmentRural, agricultural, or specialized settingsPublic spaces, indoor and outdoor environments
Employer/Industry UsageUsed in farming, transportation, or entertainment industriesAssists individuals with disabilities in daily activities
Search/Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles of working animalsAssistance for disabled individuals

Work animals are trained to perform tasks in agricultural or specialized settings, often without formal certification. Service animals are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities and must meet strict certification standards. While work animals are used in industries like farming, service animals are permitted in public spaces to aid their handlers. Both play vital roles but serve different purposes and environments.

More about Work Animal jobs
What cities are hiring for Work Animal jobs? Cities with the most Work Animal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Work Animal jobs? The most popular types of Work Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Work Animal jobs? States with the most job openings for Work Animal jobs include:
Infographic showing various Work Animal job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 17% Full Time, and 66% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Animal Shelter Seasonal Day Laborer

City of Everett, WA

Everett, WA • On-site

$21.50/hr

Per diem

PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary: $21.50 Hourly
Location : Everett, WA
Job Type: Day Laborer
Job Number: L26026
Department: Animal Shelter
Opening Date: 06/12/2026
Nature of Work
ANIMAL SHELTER ASSISTANT
SEASONAL DAY LABORER
$21.50/ HR
The City of Everett Animal Shelter is currently accepting applications for an Animal Shelter Assistant Day Laborer. This employment is temporary (up to six months in duration). It is mandatory that the employee in this position contribute to the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System. This contribution is refundable upon the employees request at the completion of employment. The position is not provided with City of Everett benefits.
NATURE OF WORK
This position provides general support work that involves handling and caring for animals brought to the City of Everett Animal Shelter. The work will also involve the cleaning and routine maintenance of the shelter, including animal housing areas, exam, clinic, and other interior and exterior work areas; maintenance of records and assisting shelter visitors. Applicants must be 18 years or older.
DESIRED QUALIFICATION
This is the perfect position for someone who is interested in animal welfare, learning about animal care and behavior, and the intricate details of the operation of an animal shelter. We are looking for those folks who are not afraid of hard work, who find great satisfaction in a job well done and the rewarding work of helping animals.
WORK SCHEDULE
This position is up to 40 hours per week generally from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm; may include work hours 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on holidays, and requires weekend availability, including both Saturday and Sunday.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK
  • Feed, care for, and medicate (as directed by the shelter veterinarian and allowed by law) adoptable animals, stray animals, impounded animals, isolated animals, and sick, unruly and aggressive animals, as required.
  • Move animals among various areas within the shelter as required in a safe, effective, and humane manner.
  • Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, crates, countertops, windows, windowsills, exam rooms, clinic and other work areas.
  • Sweep and mop floors, wash dishes, launder animal bedding, take out trash and recycling.
  • Restock cleaning and animal care supplies; sort and move deliveries and donated pet food and supplies to designated locations.
  • Assist shelter customers in person or by telephone; facilitate prospective adopter and animal meet and greets.
  • Operate shelter vehicles to transport animals or complete other errands as required.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

OTHER DUTIES:
Dependent upon experience and skill, there is growth opportunity (for those interested) that would include assisting with animal check-in, administering vaccinations, performing blood draws and microchipping.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
  • Dog and cat breeds
  • Basic companion animal care, health and behavior
  • English grammar, spelling, capitalization, punctuation

Skill and Ability to:
  • Attend and comprehend on-the-job training as assigned by management
  • Safely and humanely handle animals by adhering to training guidelines and instruction at all times
  • Determine sex of animals
  • Administer vaccinations, microchips, and oral, nasal and topical medications
  • Recognize signs of illness and/or injury in animals and effectively communicate this information to staff
  • Operate various types of animal shelter equipment including dish sanitizer and industrial washer and dryer.
  • Assist shelter and veterinary staff handling animals during exams, treatments, and other medical procedures.
  • Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions
  • Understand and apply processes and procedures to recurring operational requirements
  • Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with supervisors, fellow staff members, volunteers and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Lift and handle objects and animals weighing up to sixty (60) pounds
  • Ability to restrain and handle animals up to 100 pounds.
  • Ability to walk and stand for long periods of time, climb step ladder, bend, reach, hold, grasp and turn objects; feel the size, shape and temperature of items
  • Operate office equipment such as computers, printers and copiers
  • Handle unruly, aggressive, and otherwise dangerous animals safely and humanely
  • Must be able and willing to work shifts including weekends and all holidays.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Application materials may be accessed via Completed application must be submitted through the City's online application system until the position is filled. Apply today.
The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of work, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee and the ability to work regularly is a requirement for continued employment.
FILING OPENS: June 12,2026
FILING CLOSES: Open until filled
L26026
Day Laborer positions are not entitled to any benefits (including, but not limited to, vacation, sick leave, or insurance), except as required by applicable law or collective bargaining agreement.
01
What interested you in applying for this position, and how does it fit in with your future goals?
02
Please describe your relevant experience, skills, education and training that makes you a competitive candidate for this position.
03
Full time shifts are generally 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, with a half hour lunch. Are you available to work a consistent weekly schedule, including working on both Saturday & Sunday and work 8 am - 11 am on holidays?
04
Referring back to the schedule in the previous question, please indicate any days/times you are unable to work on a regular basis, and/or what consistent schedule you are able to work.
05
Please list dates of any currently scheduled vacations or other required time off during the 6 months of this employment range.
06
Do you understand that there is no public transportation to the Everett Animal Shelter, and do you have reliable transportation to get to and from work?
07
When would you be available to start this position?
Required Question